Isaac Samuel
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to provide daily photographic and video evidence of his participation in the Islamic pilgrimage of Umrah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Atiku alleged that Tinubu might make a brief appearance in Makkah before proceeding to France, questioning the President’s announced itinerary.
The former vice-president made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
The Presidency had announced that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah to perform Umrah and pray for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and progress.
In reaction, Atiku described the announced pilgrimage as a possible “smokescreen or subterfuge”, claiming that information available to him suggested France might be the President’s actual destination.
He also raised questions about whether the trip is connected to the President’s health and a reported $20 billion loan request involving a French business partner.
Atiku called on the Presidency to address these concerns and disclose the President’s full itinerary.
Atiku said that if President Tinubu is truly traveling to pray for Nigeria, the Presidency should release clear, current, date-stamped photographs and videos each day showing him at the Kaaba and participating in the rites of Umrah.
Nigerians, he said, deserve verifiable proof of the President’s presence in Makkah and a transparent account of his daily activities in the Holy Land.
Atiku said he and other Nigerians would join President Tinubu in salat and prayers for the peace and progress of the country.
He cautioned that no one should invoke the name of Almighty Allah in vain, adding that a spiritual mission undertaken on behalf of the nation must be treated with seriousness and transparency.
He said an official trip presented as a mission for Nigeria is a matter of public interest. Nigerians are entitled to know the President’s daily engagements and how the trip is being funded. He urged the Presidency to answer these questions plainly and provide the evidence the country deserves.
Meanwhile, the Presidency said Tinubu would perform the religious rites associated with Umrah and seek Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its people.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.
Before departing Abuja, the President was scheduled to commission equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
